Aircraft
More F-35 Fighters on Dutch Defense Shopping List
Like many European countries, the Netherlands is increasing its defense spending as a result of increased tensions caused by Russian aggression.
Two KLu F-35As are seen during a February 2022 exercise with a pair from the UK-based 48th Fighter Wing. Having been bought by eight NATO nations to date, plus Switzerland and NATO applicant Finland, the F-35 is key to the defense of Europe. (Photo: U.S. Air Force)
Two KLu F-35As are seen during a February 2022 exercise with a pair from the UK-based 48th Fighter Wing. Having been bought by eight NATO nations to date, plus Switzerland and NATO applicant Finland, the F-35 is key to the defense of Europe. (Photo: U.S. Air Force)

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has brought the defense of Europe sharply into focus, and many NATO nations are significantly increasing their defense expenditure as a result. The Netherlands is one of them and has committed an additional €5 billion per year to the military budget, representing an increase of around 40 percent. The future spending plans are laid out in a white paper—“A Stronger Netherlands, A Safer Europe: Investing in a Robust NATO and EU”—that was introduced by defense minister Kajsa Ollongren on June 1.